Why this route stands out

A closer look at the journey

Kusadasi

Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi, and a day here is a day spent in the company of some of antiquity's greatest figures.

Heraklion

It may not be the prettiest place in Crete, but Heraklion's patchwork of history, bustling activity and cultural intrigue makes it the perfect change of pace. This is certainly no sleepy island fishing village, and Greece's fifth-largest city is adorned with a rich collection of quality museums, ancient ruins from antiquity, and a lively culture of its own. View less A refreshing shift-up from the many quaint beach towns and fishing villages you'll encounter in the Greek islands, Heraklion – also known as Iraklio - has great shopping, extraordinary history and is the ideal base for ventures to the archaeological treasures of Crete. Traded by the Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years, Heraklion is a multi-layered place with fascinating tales to tell. The city's impressive Venetian fortress, which waits over the gently rolling waves of the gleaming Mediterranean, welcomes you ashore. A stroll out along the seawall, alongside creaking fishing boats, will take you out to the squat fortifications that have stood since 1540. Climb to the top for views out across the water, back towards the city's waterfront. The sun-roasted earth outside the city hides treasures from the realms of history, including the Bronze Age remnants of Europe's oldest city, Knossos. A visit to the fantastic Archaeological Museum of Heraklion ties all of this history together and exhibits relics from the civilisations and eras of Crete's past. Elsewhere, Daidalou's pedestrianised paving is a charming stroll through Heraklion's shops, with streets branching off to café-lined plazas and twinkling fountains. Stop to try local food - like fresh feta and olive sprinkled dakos mezze – all washed down with a sample of local raki brandy.

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium - where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages.

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Today’s fare, in context

Price history

Cheaper than 100%

30 days

Fare details

Price history by cabin type
Cabin	Current	Lowest	Highest
Inside	$2,624	$2,624 on Jul 3	$2,661 on Aug 12
Oceanview	$3,124	$3,074 on Jul 3	$3,124 on Sep 2
Balcony	$3,436	$3,436 on Jul 3	$3,436 on Jul 3
Suite	$5,661	$5,661 on Jul 3	$5,661 on Jul 3

○ = last seen (sold out or delisted). · Verified 4 days ago.

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Cabin grades

Lines step when the price changed; a gap means sold out or no public fare that day. Plot up to 6 at once.

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $3,124

$124 / night

Fare rows

PREMIUM OCEAN VIEW FANTASTICA

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,124

$124 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

PREMIUM OCEAN VIEW FANTASTICA

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,161

$126 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Balcony

from $3,436

$137 / night

Fare rows

DELUXE BALCONY FANTASTICA

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,436

$137 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

PREMIUM BALCONY FANTASTICA

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,686

$147 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

PREMIUM BALCONY FANTASTICA

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,736

$149 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

PREMIUM BALCONY FANTASTICA

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,774

$150 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

BALCONY AUREA

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,399

$175 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Suite

from $5,661

$226 / night

Fare rows

PREMIUM SUITE AUREA WITH SEALED WINDOW

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,661

$226 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Prices verified Sep 3, 2026

The journey

25 nights, in order

Day 1 Nov 10, 2027

Kusadasi

Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St.
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The full itinerary

26 scheduled calls

Your ship

MSC Splendida

MSC Splendida carries you in stylish luxury to the most desirable cruise destinations in the world. You’ll love the live music and wide variety of bars and restaurants on board. Food choices to explore include authentic Mediterranean specialities and spicy Tex-Mex. Complete the night with a world-class show in The Strand Theatre, a winning streak in the Royal Palm Casino or dancing ‘til dawn in the Club 33 Disco. We’ve got fitness and sport covered with four swimming pools, a squash court, volleyball court, ultramodern gym and even a running track, allowing you to take in the stunning ocean views and refreshing sea breeze. For those looking to relax, head to the MSC Aurea Spa where you will find pampering Balinese massages, a range of beauty treatments, a Turkish bath, sauna, whirlpool and solarium. There is also the option to sunbathe in peace on the Top 18 sun deck, located at the top of the ship, where complimentary, refreshing fruit skewers and a thirst-quenching bar menu will keep you cool all day. And while you are topping up your tan, the Kids and Teens can enjoy fabulous facilities and clubs of their own. The foredecks of the ship are home to the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, a luxurious ship-within-a-ship with 71 spacious suites, its own Concierge Reception, 24-hour butler service, private Top Sail Lounge, pool deck and bar.

4★ 137,936 GT 4,363 Passengers Built 2008

MSC Splendida